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Each of the teams competing for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup title this weekend at Miami has earned its way there. But winning a championship is a different story for the Nos. 18, 19, 22 and 48 crews. Every lap, pit stop, caution, and call could make or break a season. With so much on the line, meet the men who will be pitting for a championship.
No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson
Front Changer: Kevin Novak
Front Carrier: R.J. Barnette
Jackman: Kyle Tudor
Rear Changer: Calvin Teague
Rear Carrier: Ryan Patton
Gasman: Brandon Harder
The story: The No. 48 pit crew is good, but it has not been easy. They've endured two changes this year and both have been at major positions. Front Tire Changer Cam Waugh left the team midway in the season and was replaced by longtime Roush Fenway Racing changer Kevin Novak. Novak has stepped up and done a great job. Jackman Andrew Childers was replaced by up-and-comer Kyle Tudor. Just like Novak, Tudor has done a great job. This crew mimics their driver and team: Fly under the radar and before anyone knows it, get in position to win another championship.
No. 19 of Carl Edwards
Front Changer: Clay Robinson
Front Carrier: Kevin Harris
Jackman: Trey Bruklin
Rear Changer: Kip Wolfmier
Rear Carrier: Matt Ver Meer
Gasman: Kenneth Purcell
The story: This crew has tons of experience and success, particularly in winning big races. Clay Robinson and Kenneth Purcell both have multiple championships from their days back at Hendrick Motorsports, and pressure for this team should not be a problem. For the last year and half the No. 19 squad has been a top-two team on pit road, which should give No. 19 fans confidence. If it comes down to a pit stop in Homestead, this could be the crew to beat.
No. 22 of Joey Logano
Front Changer: Thomas Hatcher
Front Carrier: Dylan Dowell
Jackman: Ray Gallahan
Rear Changer: Zach Price
Rear Carrier: Josh Chaney
Gasman: Kellen Mills
The story: This crew has won as many races over the last three years as anyone. They have superb leadership and tons of experience, and both will play a factor at Miami. They went through a mid-season change at the rear carrier position, and the group has won two of the last four races. This squad will be tough come Sunday.
No. 18 of Kyle Busch
Front Changer: Josh Leslie
Front Carrier: Brad Donaghy
Jackman: T.J. Ford
Rear Changer: Jake Seminara
Rear Carrier: Kenny Barber
Gasman: Tom Lampe
The story: These are your returning champs. They've been there, done that and thus have a slight advantage over the other crews. The crew members have stayed the same all year, and during the last 12 weeks they've been on fire. Speed is not a problem for this group. When they need to go low, they can.
NASCAR has its best four drivers heading to Homestead, and the pit crews rank right up there with them. The Nos. 19, 48, and 22 teams all won quarterly awards for best pit crew by Mechanix Wear, and now we see them all battling it out for a chance to win a championship.
For more pit crew news, visit PitTalks.com.